Apr 27 (DM) The first part of this article published in the Daily Mirror on April 20, under the heading Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs evoked a lot of reader responses. In a climate of Ranil-bashing, many seem to be happy that Wickremesinghe�s courageous decision to accept the challenge of leading the country on the road to economic recovery and the limited yet commendable progress achieved by his Government has been acknowledged. more..

Apr 27 (TM) The recently issued Bill on the formulation and implementation of the National Policy on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women entails a number of measures and regulations aimed at promoting and strengthening gender equality both in the general society and at the institutional level. It also provides for the appointment or the designation of an officer known as the Gender Focal Point in institutions to ensure the gender equality more..

Apr 27 (CT) This article is based on an interview conducted with Dr. Gayana Gunaratna of the Dept of Medical Microbiology, Uni of Kelaniya regarding World Malaria Day, which falls on 25 April. Q: What kind of disease is Malaria? A: Malaria is a well-known disease for most of us and it is a parasitic infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The causative agents of malaria are unicellular protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. As we are aware, malaria is a treatable disease. more..

Apr 27 (FT) Two politicians, one a State Minister in present SLPP Govt headed by Prez Wickremesinghe and the other a former State Minister under incumbent Prez Wickremesinghe�s previous Yahapalana rule, had tragic, unexpected deaths. One in a road accident and the other in an electrocution in his own land. The two had two different social responses over their deaths. The first, from Puttalam district, Sanath Nishantha a politician who resorted to thuggery to his more..

Apr 27 (TM) Election monitors and observers are emphasising on the need for the Election Commission (EC) to take urgent action to ensure that the negative effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated content are minimised in the upcoming election cycle, while The Sunday Morning learns that the EC plans to discuss the matter with big tech companies too. As SL enters its first election cycle after the Aragalaya and the resignation of more..

Apr 27 (ST) On the 8th of Aug 1967, delegates led by the foreign ministers of five Southeast Asian countries met in Bangkok to establish an organisation. The five countries were Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Thailand. When the inaugural session began, in the words of S.R. Nathan, ��there was only one point pending for the adoption of the draft declaration � the name of the organisation�. �There was also a last-minute hitch�, S.R. Nathan wrote further in his Memoirs more..

Apr 27 (CT) Five years after the Easter serial blasts that took away human lives in their hundreds, there is no knowing if there is more to it than what the investigating agencies have made public. It is not even clear if the so-called full text of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) handed over to the Catholic Church will tell all. The reason is simple, if not straight. Every time there is a new revelation there is a near-simultaneous declaration that it was still incomplete. more..

Apr 27 (ST) Certis Lanka, a pioneer in integrated security services, recently unveiled its new brand identity as SITREK Group, marking a significant milestone in its journey of over four decades. The transformation to SITREK Group represents a strategic shift towards reaffirming the company�s commitment to its core values of Structure, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Excellence, and Knowledge. These pillars, ingrained in the essence of the organisation, symbolise more..

Apr 27 (FT) Recognised for its exceptional commitment to sustainable business practices, Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) secured the esteemed Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023 in the Other category at a recent gala event. The award was granted following a rigorous evaluation process, during which SLT competed against 33 leading corporations. The annual awards are organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, SL�s premier business chamber, to felicitate organisations more..

Apr 27 (FT) Tourism Minister Harin Fernando disclosed that the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Thursday, gave the green light to reintroduce the single-entry visa system. Speaking in Parliament he clarified about the development in response to inquiries raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on the increased visa fees. Fernando outlined the procedural steps, indicating that the matter would be presented to more..

Apr 27 (ST) Excessive heat and dry weather conditions during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period caused an explosion of pink-hued flowers in the country�s ornamental rosy trumpet (Tabebuia rosea) or robarosia trees this season. The display was so vibrant that it gave rise to widespread public admiration. And since it coincided with the blooming of cherry blossoms in countries like USA and Japan, some even called them local sakura. Under the trees, which can grow up to 30 metres and more..

Apr 27 (FT) Ninewells Hospital has announced its collaboration with the SL Army to implement a special health insurance scheme. This partnership, aimed at expressing gratitude to the valiant war heroes who have tirelessly defended our nation, signifies a significant step towards ensuring their well-being. MoU between Ninewells Hospital and Army Suva Sahana Insurance Scheme initiated by SL Army underscores the commitment of both entities towards the health and welfare of more..

Apr 27 (DN) SL �A� team, led by all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, will face Afghanistan �A� in the first unofficial ODI of their five-match series, starting tomorrow at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. This series provides a great opportunity for SL �A� players, with selectors including a few national players to strengthen the team. They aim to assess these players� performances for potential inclusion in the forthcoming T20 World Cup squad. more..

Apr 27 (Island) The latest anti-war movement is gathering momentum in the US, with thousands of youthful protesters taking to the streets and facing brutal suppression in many cities across the country. Biden administration may not have expected last week�s police crackdown on a peaceful protest at Columbia Uni against the massacre of Palestinian civilians in Gaza to trigger a mega tsunami of agitations from coast to coast. Today, the US police are struggling to contain the upsurge more..

Apr 27 (ST) 23 people�or around seven per day�died in traffic accidents from April 12�14, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period, with the main causes being drunk driving, speeding and negligence. The total number of accidents reported by the National Hospital of SL alone was 161 during this period. There were also some fireworks injuries, but nothing serious. There is a seasonal spike in road accidents and drownings, but more..

Apr 27 (FT) Sri Lanka has been recognised as the 5th best country to visit in your lifetime, according to CEOWORLD Magazine�s prestigious rankings for 2024. The accolade highlights Sri Lanka�s diverse offerings and unique experiences that captivate travellers from around the globe. Sri Lanka continues to bask in the spotlight as one of the world�s top travel destinations, the recognition serves as a testament to the country�s enduring allure and unwavering hospitality. more..

Apr 27 (SO) The Santa Barbara community in California had the pleasure of experiencing SL�s rich cultural tapestry through a captivating film, Tharanaya, screened at a special event held by the Ceylon Film Festival Foundation on the occasion of the visit of legendary producer and actor Sriyani Amarasena. The festival, organised by Aruni Boteju, showcases the best of Sri Lankan cinema annually and is a testament to Aruni�s unwavering dedication to promoting art and culture. more..

Apr 27 (FT) SL�s efforts to attract and leverage international investment into exploration and commercialisation two blocks adding to over 5,000 square kilometres with potential oil and gas resources in the Mannar Basin have once again been gridlocked by legal challenges in the Court of Appeal. According to the latest developments in the CA (Writ) Application No: 392/2023, the court found that a prima facie case has been established more..

Apr 27 (FT) The inaugural flight of Maldivian Airlines Q2 940, carrying 157 passengers, arrived at Katunayake Airport on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. The carrier will deploy two A330 Airbus aircraft for the weekly service every Thursday and Saturday. Maldives Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Captain Mohamad Ameen were among passengers in the maiden flight. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva visited BIA to welcome the passengers arriving under the new service. more..

Apr 27 (DM) TPA leader Mano Ganesan said China plays a key role in the Asia-centric world today, and it should help SL to join BRICS- the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. He said India, Russia are well placed in the BRICS grouping. Hence, in future, Chinese good offices should support SL to gain entry into BRICS, said TPA leader Mano Ganesan to Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). more..

Apr 27 (DM) Minister Tiran Alles told Parliament today (26) that former Prez Maithripala Sirisena, in his statement to the CID, did not disclose any information implicating a citizen of this country or any connection to a citizen in relation to the Easter Sunday bomb attacks. During the debate on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, which span eleven days, Minister Alles emphasized the importance of seeking answers without politicizing the matter. He urged collaboration among the police and more..

Apr 27 (Island) Those who are responsible for the Easter Sunday carnage should be given the death sentence instead of being fined, SJB MP Sarath Fonseka told Parliament. �A few months ago, a driver who was responsible for a serious accident was given the death penalty. Why are people, responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks only be fined?� he said. �There were warnings of the attack. But those in charge of national security remained inactive. more..

Apr 27 (Island) The problems facing 17,000 families, affected by the negative environmental impacts of the Uma Oya project, have not yet been solved, Sajeewa Chamikara of the MONLAR said. In Dec 2014, a leak sprang up in its 15.2 km tunnel and due to that thousands of houses were damaged, and there was a loss of drinking and irrigation water which devastated the lives and livelihoods of thousands, he said. more..

Apr 27 (FT) Colombo stock market yesterday ended the week with sharp gains with turnover on Friday crossing Rs. 4 billion mark. During the week ASPI gained by 3.8% and the active S&P SL20 by 5.4%. In contrast last week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 lost 2.3% and 3.4% respectively. Average daily turnover this week was Rs. 2.71 billion, up from Rs. 1.95 billion in the previous week. Asia Securities said the indices closed out the week on a high note with the ASPI crossing the 12,200 levels, more..

Apr 27 (DN) Yashith Wijesundara, representing DS Senanayake College, made an impact at the 48th National Age Group Swimming Championship by shattering the Boys Under-17 800m Freestyle record on the third day of competition at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex yesterday. The event, organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union, witnessed the establishment of four new meet records. Wijesundara, a product of the Colombo Swimming Academy under the guidance of more..

Apr 27 (FT) SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne yesterday disclosed his party�s plans to deliver justice to the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attack under a Govt led by them. �A future SJB Govt will ensure that truth is revealed and there is justice to provide redress to victims while punishing those who are responsible for the Easter attack or those who failed to prevent the Easter attack in the year 2019,� he said. Speaking at the debate on the Easter Sunday terror attack, more..

Apr 27 (FT) NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Govt must stop chanting the Ibrahim mantra and instead take action if Mohammed Ibrahim, father of two of the Easter Sunday suicide bombers has in fact committed any wrongdoing. �There is no point in chanting the Ibrahim mantra if the Govt is not carrying out its duty,� he said while participating in the parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack. �It has been 5 years since but the govt has failed to file a single charge against him� more..

Apr 27 (FT) TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam on Thursday accused the infamous Tripoli platoon, a paramilitary intelligence unit, of involvement in the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. He said the group had been involved in a spate of killings since early 2005, long before the Easter Sunday attacks. MP said the platoon made up of Muslim, Tamil and Sinhalese operatives was set up in 2005 and persons linked to it such as more..

Apr 27 (Island) President Ranil Wickremesinghe�s past attempts to privatise medical education led to disastrous consequences, spokesperson for the Govt Medical Officers Association (GMOA), Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said, commenting on the fee-paying medical degree programmes at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. KDU will offer a paid medical degree programme to students who qualify through the Z score and other qualifications, govt has announced recently. more..

Apr 27 (DN) The govt has decided to bring in legislation soon to confiscate property acquired through illegal means. According Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved to a proposal submitted by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to draft the relevant bill. Minister said that the govt is bound to bring in legislation for the recovery of assets through illegal means by 2024 as per the agreement with the IMF. more..

Apr 27 (EN) SL has allowed a German research vessel for replenishment in Colombo port for the second time following the clarification from SL's Foreign Ministry after Chinese protest. �It�s the same German research vessel came last month. It came around New Year time when it was returning and the ship was allowed,� a top Foreign Ministry official said referring to SL�s traditional New Year celebrated on April 14. more..

Apr 28 (CT) A week ago, tragedy struck in the hills of Diyatalawa as an accident that occurred during one of the races resulted in the loss of seven lives. When the much-awaited Foxhill Supercross was organised after a long hiatus, the expectations and the excitement were much higher and perhaps that too must have played a significant role in the heightened magnitude of the tragedy. Following the accident, a lot of opinions have surfaced, mainly in the line of who is to be blamed. more..

Apr 28 (SO) Nationalisation was in vogue in the 1950s and 1960s, not only in Sri Lanka but also in developed Western countries. The premise behind nationalisation is that the State should be in control of main utilities and services to provide a better service to the public. This was socialism or communism in action, even though many Western countries such as UK and Germany also followed this doctrine at that time. Today, the tables have turned and even some of the most more..

Apr 28 (CT) Stringent security measures were in place in view of the arrival of Iranian Prez Ebrahim Raisi in SL. Iranian Prez, who arrived at the Mattala Airport, was received by PM Dinesh Gunawardane and from there he visited the Uma Oya project by road. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and other key Cabinet Ministers were waiting at the project site to welcome Iranian Prez. Security convoy for the Iranian Prez comprised tri-forces personnel more..

Apr 28 (CT) What larks! Ranil can�t make up his mind whether he is UNP or SLPP (the party of govt bearing fealty to Mahinda) candidate. Mahinda�s colour is a beastly cherry; the workers� dye is purple now, it got mixed up with blue somehow goes the ditty. Sajith is torn between a deal with the UNP (Ranil), or going it solo, or come what may, stitching together some other combine. The perkiest comedy in town is the SLFP where they are quarrelling about, (i) whether Mrs B had masculine more..

Apr 28 (Island) There are many who believe that Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, though not in active politics now, is the best president this country never had. His accomplishments in the political field are too numerous to list and his integrity is widely acknowledged. Given the proximity of the event, people even in this country notorious for their short memories, remember his sterling performance as speaker in Oct 2018. That was when then Prez Maithripala Sirisena, elected to office in 2015 more..